Peace and Conflict: Journal of Peace Psychology, Vol 30(1), Feb 2024, 9-18; doi:10.1037/pac0000735
Evidence suggests White settlers’ autochthony beliefs in historically colonized lands can both strengthen and weaken support for reparation measures. We propose that the divergent effect of autochthony beliefs on support for reparation measures is contingent on the perception of White settler ownership and preference for group-based hierarchies. In a single study with N = 807 White South Africans, we tested the moderation function of White settler ownership beliefs and preference for group-based hierarchies on the relationship between autochthony beliefs and support for land reparations. Results confirmed the hypothesis that endorsement of autochthony beliefs predicted stronger support for land reparation measures among respondents who perceived lower White settler ownership and preferred group-based equality. Our findings suggest that White settler ownership and social dominance orientation play a crucial role determining whether autochthony beliefs strengthen or weaken support for reparative measures in settler colonies. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved)